I'm hoping someone out there has run into a similar problem and can offer some words of wisdom. I have been using Tri-X sheet film (4x5) and HC110(B) for some time and have had grood results. I had no problem getting the correct density for Zone I and setting up a personal E.I. I decided to start using my 35mm to shoot some B&W when I don't have time or space to carry the view camera. So, I figured I'd shoot Tri-X and use HC110(B). I know that the Tri-X Pro and the Tri-X 35mm are different, but I am having no luck getting the correct density. I started out with the usual film speed test, shooting a bunch of Zone I frames at different E.I. I shot a range from 800 to 200 in 1/3 stop increments. I used the recommended development time of 7.5 min at 68F. My densities were _way_ too high! They ended up in the range of Zone IV to Zone V! I figured I just screwed up in the test so I reshot. I got the same results, so at least I know the developing is somewhat consistent. I reshot one more time to be sure the guy behind the lens wasn't crazy. Same results. I looked high and low for development times, my old Kodak Darkroom Dataguide had a recommended time for Tri-X and HC110(B) listed around 5min. Odd I thought, did the film change at some point? I reshot the test, developed for 5min 15sec, I still come out with densities to high, although closer. If I were to use the 5:15 developing time I'd have a E.I. if 1600! ARGGG.(posted 9620 days ago)The meter used is my spot meter I used for the film testing for the Tri-X sheet film. I use Tri-X sheet film with a E.I. of 160 with very normal development times, close to Kodak recommended times. The meter in the 35mm agrees with 4 other 3 other meters, within 1/3 of a stop. So I'm sure that isn't the cause.
I'm running the tests with a Pentax LX, 50mm f:2. I don't think the lens, or the shutter is _that_ far off. I could accept a 1/3 or 2/3 of stop error, but not 2 stops!
Something is very odd, any ideas out there?
-Dean